Unlock Your Path to Permanent Residency: Statistics Canada Hiring 32,000 for 2026 Census - Work Permit Holders Welcome!

Massive Hiring Wave for Canada's 2026 Census

Statistics Canada is gearing up for the next Census of Population in May 2026, and they're hiring approximately 32,000 positions nationwide to support data collection efforts. This is a unique opportunity for job seekers across Canada, including work permit holders, to gain valuable experience and potentially build eligibility for permanent residency.

Who Can Apply?

To be considered for a census job, you must meet these requirements:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid work permit
• Live in Canada with a Canadian home address
• Have reached the age of majority in your province or territory (18 in most provinces, 19 in others)

If you meet these criteria, you can complete an online application form in less than 10 minutes. You'll need to provide references from two individuals familiar with your work. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2026.

Available Positions and Compensation

Statistics Canada is hiring for two main roles:

Enumerator ($25.87/hour)

• Primary duties: Collecting census information through door-to-door visits
• Must be available at least 20 hours per week (evenings and weekends)
• Employment period: May to July 2026

Crew Leader ($31.32/hour)

• Primary duties: Managing teams of enumerators and coordinating collection activities
• Must be available 40 hours per week (days, evenings, and weekends)
• Employment period: March to July 2026

For both positions, individuals can claim authorized expenses like mileage and parking, and must attend paid mandatory training.

Building Toward Permanent Residency

One of the most significant aspects of these positions is their potential to contribute to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) work requirements for permanent residency through Express Entry.

Key requirements for CEC eligibility:

• Work must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories
• Must be paid work completed in Canada with valid temporary resident status
• Need at least 1,560 hours (one year equivalent) of skilled work experience

Enumerator roles (classified as TEER 4 under NOC 14110) cannot count toward CEC requirements.

Crew leader roles (classified under NOC 12113) may count toward CEC requirements if you can demonstrate performing most of the main duties listed in the NOC description.

If you work as a crew leader from March 1 to July 31, 2026 (at least 30 hours per week), you could fulfill 660 hours of the 1,560-hour CEC requirement. While this won't independently satisfy the full one-year requirement, it can serve as valuable top-up experience alongside other qualifying Canadian work.

Additional Opportunities

Statistics Canada will also hire for some crew leader assistant, field operations supervisor assistant, and collection support unit operator roles, though most positions will be for enumerators and crew leaders.

Early recruitment begins in some locations, with early census collection starting in February 2026 for select northern and remote communities.

Understanding the Canadian Census

The Canadian census is Statistics Canada's five-year nationwide survey that provides a detailed statistical portrait of the country. The data collected helps shape policy and program design in critical areas like education, healthcare, transportation, housing, and community planning.

Participation in the census is legally required for all Canadian households, who must complete both short-form demographic questionnaires and more detailed long-form questionnaires covering topics like education, labor, and housing.